You are here

Courageous flood rescue by volunteer

Glenn Taylor
Commendation for Brave Conduct (2005)

Glenn Taylor (Commendation for Brave Conduct, 2005)

The raging floodwater was almost to the roof of the vehicle and, inside, the trapped driver had minutes to live. Glenn Taylor didn't hesitate - fully dressed he swam out through the swirling, treacherous water.

Carefully he sized up the situation: only centimetres of air space remained for the driver to breathe. There wasn't time, so Glenn broke the rear window, cleared the glass and helped the man to safety.

This rescue at Lower Templestowe, Victoria, was just part of the job of keeping Australia's communities safe, for bus driver and State Emergency Services (SES) volunteer Glenn Taylor, after decades of emergencies.

'Who would have expected a flood like that in the suburbs? It was like a huge dam,' Glenn recalls. The water on Lynnwood Parade was three metres deep and several cars had gone in. With his team mates supporting him on a rope, Glenn swam through the murky flood that was littered with hidden obstacles and rescued the trapped occupant.

'It was a team effort,' he reflects. 'That's what the SES is all about. I joined because, as a Christian, I wanted to give something back to the community. We deal with death and trauma and people in distress, and it means a lot to be able to help, encourage and console them.'

For prompt, courageous and selfless action in saving life, Glenn Taylor has received a Commendation for Brave Conduct one of the Australian Bravery Decorations awarded for acts of bravery considered worthy of national recognition.

The raging floodwater was almost to the roof of the vehicle and, inside, the trapped driver had minutes to live. Glenn Taylor didn't hesitate - fully dressed he swam out through the swirling, treacherous water.

Carefully he sized up the situation: only centimetres of air space remained for the driver to breathe. There wasn't time, so Glenn broke the rear window, cleared the glass and helped the man to safety.

This rescue at Lower Templestowe, Victoria, was just part of the job of keeping Australia's communities safe, for bus driver and State Emergency Services (SES) volunteer Glenn Taylor, after decades of emergencies.

'Who would have expected a flood like that in the suburbs? It was like a huge dam,' Glenn recalls. The water on Lynnwood Parade was three metres deep and several cars had gone in. With his team mates supporting him on a rope, Glenn swam through the murky flood that was littered with hidden obstacles and rescued the trapped occupant.

'It was a team effort,' he reflects. 'That's what the SES is all about. I joined because, as a Christian, I wanted to give something back to the community. We deal with death and trauma and people in distress, and it means a lot to be able to help, encourage and console them.'

For prompt, courageous and selfless action in saving life, Glenn Taylor has received a Commendation for Brave Conduct one of the Australian Bravery Decorations awarded for acts of bravery considered worthy of national recognition.